Today, at the World Ocean Summit taking place in Mexico, the Commission launched in partnership with the European Investment Bank, the Prince of Wales's International Sustainability Unit and WWF Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles.

The EU's 2013-2020 Atlantic Action Plan has spurred over 1200 new maritime projects and nearly 6 billion euro of investments so far, according to an independent consultant tasked by the EU to take stock of the initiative at mid-term. Most of the projects target environmental protection and innovation, as well as improved connectivity and social inclusion.

Good news for European fisheries: fishing businesses in the Atlantic, North Sea and Baltic Sea are making record profits, thanks to a solid recovery of popular fish stocks like North Sea cod, which were severely depleted just a few years ago. A sign that the EU Common Fisheries Policy’s focus on sustainable fishing is paying off – for fishermen and fish stocks alike.

Like everywhere else, world digitalization, high-tech equipment and low-carbon solutions are affecting the workplace of the maritime world. Preparing the workforce for such trends is crucial to ensure a competitive European maritime sector. But what will be the profiles needed for the jobs of tomorrow? How can we make sure that people are strongly qualified for the many attractive and high quality jobs European seas have to offer?